By Alina Rezepova, Staff Writer
Sometimes spending evenings on assignments is so exhausting that you just want to exhale and relax. On a cold evening, it is so nice to be in a warm cinema room, wrapped up in a blanket, and let yourself enjoy a movie with your favorite snacks.
On Jan. 29, the film, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” was shown to students in Selby Auditorium from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event was organized by the University ministry team.
This event was not just an ordinary movie screening, but a genuine opportunity for friends to gather and for the university community to connect. To make watching even more enjoyable and not turn into a regular session, the University Ministry provided popcorn with various toppings, soda, creating a cozy and friendly atmosphere.
“It seems to me that the most popular events for students are those where free snacks are distributed. It is great that students can get together with friends and unwind after difficult school days,” said Yulissa Barrios, a junior majoring in Marketing.
The purpose of screening “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” was to unite students around the cinema, which reflects Catholic values and helps them view faith through the lens of art.
This film is dedicated to the decisive battle between the forces of good and evil in the world of Middle-earth, where the fate of the entire world depends on the courage, loyalty, and self-sacrifice of its heroes. The film depicts the struggle of humans, elves, and dwarves for freedom, underscoring themes of hope, responsibility, and the triumph of goodness through sacrifice and faith.
Many students invited their friends to watch this movie and came in groups. They enjoyed watching the movie, discussed obscure moments, and shared snacks with one another.
“I liked the movie, but some of the moments were a little confusing,” said Barrios.
When the plot of a movie is not simple but a little confusing, it allows students to have discussions after it ends. Everyone can express their position, and overall opinion about the film, a conversation or even an argument can drag on between students, which in the end will cause a smile, because it is through live communication that people are distracted from the problems and worries that exist in their lives.
University Ministry students had a separate discussion about the plot. In “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” the themes of self-sacrifice, loyalty to duty, and the power of hope are very explicit. These topics resonated in the context of Catholic values and students’ personal spiritual experiences.
Ministry movie night showed that cinema can be more than entertainment; it can be a tool for spiritual growth and community building. Such evenings remind us that university life is not only about studying, but also about a joint search for meaning, faith, and mutual support.
